88 NARRATIVE OF THE EXPEDITION, 



at the end of tliree leagues, brouglit us to Granite Point. Here 

 we first struck the old crystalline rocks or primitive formation. 

 This formation stretches from the north shores of the Gitche 

 Sebeeng,* or Chocolate Eiver, to Huron Bay, and gives the tra- 

 veller a view of rough conical peaks. These characterize the 

 coast for a couple of days' travel. They are noted for immense 

 bodies of iron ore, which is chiefly in the condition of iron glance.f 

 At Presque Isle, it assumes the form of a chromate of iron in 

 connection with serpentine rock. We encamped on level ground 

 on a sandstone formation, in the rear of Granite Point, and had 

 an opportunity of observing the remarkable manner in which the 

 horizontal sandstone rests upon and against the granitical, or, more 

 truly, sienitic eminences. These sandstone strata lap on the 

 shoulders of the primitive or crystalline rocks, preserving their 

 horizontal aspect, and forming distinct cliffs along parts of the 

 coast. This sandstone appears, from its texture and position, to 

 be the "old red sandstone" of geologists. 



The next morning (23d) Ave quitted our encampment at an 

 early hour, in a haze, and urged our way, with some fluctuations 

 of weather, an estimated distance of eleven leagues. This brought 

 us, at four o'clock in the afternoon, to Huron Eiver. Sitting in 

 the canoe, in a confined position, makes one glad at Grery oppor- 

 tunity to stretch his limbs, and we embraced the occasion to 

 bathe in the Huron. The shore consists of a sandy plain, where 

 my attention was called to the Kinnikenik, a plant much used 

 by the Indians for smoking. It is the uva tirsi. I had seen it 

 once before, on the expedition, at Point aux Barques. 



We inspected here, with much attention, an Indian grave, as 

 well from the care with which it was made, as the hieroglyphics 

 cut on the head-posts. The grave was neatly covered with bark, 

 bent over poles, and made roof-shaped, A pine stake was placed 

 at the head. Between this and the head of the grave, there was 

 placed a smooth tablet of cedar wood, with hieroglyphics. Mr. 

 Kiley, our interpreter, explained these. The figure of a bear 

 denoted the chief or clan. This is the device called a Totem. 

 Seven red strokes denoted his scalp honors in Indian heraldry, 



• From gitche, great; sehee, a river; and the local terminal ng, signifying place. 

 ■{- The extensive iron works of Carp River, which are now yielding such fine 

 blooms, are seated on the verge of these mountains. 



